PARVO VIRUS IN DOGS

What is Parvo Virus?

It’s a contagious gastroenteritis of dogs. Parvo virus first appeared worldwide in 1978 and is related to a viral enteritis that cats are vaccinated for. A slight alteration of the virus allowed it to infect dogs, but cats cant get parvo from dogs.

How is Parvo spread?

Parvo is spread through the droppings of infected dogs and can survive in yards, parks and streets for up to a year. Anything, shoes, clothes, paws, etc can also spread it from area to area...contaminated with infected droppings.

What are the signs of Parvo?

It’s usually seen in dogs that are less than eight months old and have not been FULLY vaccinated as pups. Dogs are generally depressed and may show vomiting, diarrhoea, often with blood in their motions and dehydration. This is because the virus attacks cells lining the intestine that absorb fluid into the bloodstream. Parvo can be fatal.

Diagnosing Parvo

The above sign are strong indications of parvo but we can also do a test confirm the signs.

Treating Parvo

Treatment involves replacing the fluid that is lost due to vomiting and diarrhoea. An intravenous drip and drugs are the best way to do this. A dog with parvo may be in hospital for up to 5 days. At home we then suggest you feed a specially formulated food to help settle things down.

Preventing the problem

A full vaccination schedule is needed once your dog is well. Remember, parvo lasts in the environment for up to a year.